#SecurityScan 68: Defence Ministry's Rs 2.23 lakh-cr acquisitions, PoK & much more
14 Dec 2023 14:23:39
#SecurityScan 68: This article is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting, India's national security.
Higher-for-longer interest rates, a global economic slowdown, widening geopolitical tensions, the possible return of a Trump administration in the United States, the abuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and more climate-related disasters.
That’s a partial list of the risks facing the world in 2024, according to economists and other experts who monitor these things.
Recent insurgent gains have sparked breathless and deluded predictions about the impending fall of Myanmar’s military regime.
Tech giant wants suppliers to build key component in India as part of broader effort to diversify supply chain.
Canada has reported the highest number of deaths among Indian students abroad since 2018, with 91 fatalities. In a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan shared that a total of 403 Indian students have lost their lives overseas due to various reasons, including natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions.
Once completed, the project that is the size of Singapore will supply 30 gigawatts of renewable energy annually, enough to power nearly 18 million Indian homes
While the project could inspire other developing countries.
The green light for an additional 97 light combat aircraft MK1A is a substantial vote of confidence for the indigenous aircraft, recently flown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This procurement will bring the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fighter jet count to 220 in the coming years. HAL is actively increasing its production capacity, aiming to reach 24 jets annually.
Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi government has fenced and plugged gaps in about 560 km of the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders in the last nine years since it came to power at the Centre.
Admiral R. Hari Kumar announced the induction of over 1,000 women Agniveers into the Indian Navy, praising the transformative Agnipath scheme. Highlighting milestones, including female commanding officers and operational achievements, he emphasized the Navy's commitment to deploying women in various roles. The speech underscored the Navy's missions, exercises across the Indo-Pacific, operational readiness, technological advancements, and budget allocation. The forthcoming Navy Day on December 4 in Maharashtra was also mentioned in Admiral Kumar's comprehensive address.
Punjab has a 553 km border with Pakistan and smuggling of narcotics through the land border from Pakistan has been a cause of major concern. The National Investigation Agency is probing the nexus between narcotic smugglers and gangsters. The number of drone sightings on the India-Pakistan border has increased to 300, compared to 268 in 2022, 109 in 2021, 49 in 2020 and 35 in 2019, all within a range of 2-10 km on the border.
Khalistani separatist Lakhbir Singh alias 'Rode', a designated terrorist in India, died in Pakistan, where he sought refuge after his uncle's death in 1984. Involved in various terror acts, Singh led the banned Khalistan Liberation Front, orchestrating weapon smuggling and violent activities against political figures. His tenure spanned international operations, establishing terror bases abroad. He fled Punjab after the Golden Temple incident, residing in Nepal, Dubai, and Canada before settling in Lahore.
Kenya's President William Ruto emphasized the mutual concern of terrorism for both India and Kenya, announcing a collaborative effort between their defense forces. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ruto expressed gratitude for India's support in marine research related to Kenya's blue economy. He also acknowledged India's proposed $250 million aid for Kenya's agricultural mechanization.
Unprecedented ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, following a tribal solidarity rally that turned violent in Churachandpur district, leading to retaliatory violence between Chin-Kuki-Zo and the Meitei communities across the state. Manipur police has stated that as many as 175 people were killed, 1,108 others injured while 32 are missing in the ethnic strife since May 3.
The Lok Sabha discussed two bills related to Jammu and Kashmir, with Union Minister of Home Affairs stating that Pakistan occupied Kashmir belongs to India. The bills aim to give justice to those deprived of their rights for the last 70 years and give them a voice in the legislature. The BJP leader debated that tackling terrorism without considering vote-bank politics would have prevented Kashmiri Pandits from leaving the Valley.
Centre sets up three counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist schools in Odisha for training police personnel:
The Indian government has established three Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist Schools in Odisha to train police personnel, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The move comes in response to concerns about the high incidence of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) insurgency in the state.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Rajya Sabha that the number of voluntary retirement cases in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifle (AR) varies from year to year and no trend in this regard has been observed.
Last year the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), an organisation part of the ruling Communist Party of China's Leadership Group, held a meeting of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation (CIORFDC) in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in southwest China.
The Indian Army and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) have joined hands to revolutionize defense through cutting-edge technology. This alliance pioneers advancements like indigenous 5G solutions, AI-driven tools, and cybersecurity measures. With transformative projects, training programs, and digital innovations, the collaboration aims to fortify defense capabilities, ensuring a technologically advanced and strategically robust Indian Army on the global front.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) accomplished a significant milestone by airdropping an indigenously developed heavy platform from a C-17 transport aircraft in Agra. This marks the first successful airdrop of a platform measuring 24 feet by eight feet, capable of carrying a load of up to 16 tonnes. Conducted in collaboration with the Indian Army and Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the trials were executed in three stages, ensuring inspection, loading checks, and successful airdrop over a designated zone.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged wholehearted donations to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund, emphasizing citizens' role in supporting veterans and their families. He highlighted soldiers' dedication, contributions during crises, and sacrifices for the nation's unity. Minister of State Ajay Bhatt encouraged gratitude towards soldiers and support for the AFFD, while officials highlighted the fund's aid to ex-servicemen. The AFFD commemorates fallen heroes and supports veterans, offering financial assistance, medical grants, and educational aid. Contributions to the fund, vital for welfare programs, are tax-exempt.
FBI Director Christopher Wray's upcoming visit to India occurs amid US allegations of an Indian connection to a thwarted plot against a Sikh separatist in the US. Concerned, the Biden administration sent high-level officials earlier to demand an investigation. The recent visit by US Principal Deputy NSA Jonathan Finer stressed the importance of holding accountable anyone involved. India termed the linkage as worrisome and initiated an inquiry. The charged individual, Nikhil Gupta, allegedly collaborated with an Indian government employee in the conspiracy against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The 6th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) saw participation from India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Bangladesh. NSA Ajit Doval highlighted the CSC's role in regional security and outlined a Roadmap of Activities for 2024. Established initially as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, it expanded to include Mauritius, with Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers. The focus remains on countering terrorism, maritime safety, and cooperation among maritime neighbors, with a permanent secretariat in Colombo coordinating and implementing decisions.
Taiwanese prosecutors said on Dec 6 they were investigating five people over accusations they had arranged free trips to China for dozens of voters in a bid to “influence” January’s elections.
Taiwan goes to the polls on Jan 13 to elect a new president and a new Parliament in a contest that has been dominated by relations with China.
Relations have plunged in recent years as China has stepped up pressure on self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as part of its territory to be seized one day, by force if necessary.
Two Chinese warships visited Cambodia's Ream naval base, sparking concerns over Beijing's influence in the Gulf of Thailand, an area of interest for Washington. Chinese-funded expansion at the base near Sihanoukville is near completion. Cambodian officials confirmed the visit without divulging details. Despite strong China-Cambodia relations, the US worries this base will bolster China's strategic naval presence.
Head of air force political work unit says ‘hostile forces’ are exerting more influence in the country
He calls for a culture of loyalty to the ruling Communist Party and Xi Jinping and a ‘dare to fight’ spirit.
China-Russia trade tops $200bn a year ahead of schedule-Bilateral trade soars after Ukraine war draws Western sanctions
Trade between Russia and China has surpassed $200 billion this year, official data shows, hitting the countries' goal a year earlier than they had anticipated.
China's General Administration of Customs said Thursday that trade with Russia totaled $218.1 billion for the January-November period.
The two sides agreed in 2019 to lift bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2024. In 2018, total trade between Russia and China topped $100 billion for the first time.
Settlement with the yuan also has gained wider use in bilateral trade.
Australia signed a landmark security deal with Papua New Guinea on Dec 7 that is seen as a further step by Canberra to push back against China’s growing reach in the Pacific.
The deal sets out plans for wide-ranging security cooperation, including providing A$200 million (S$175.9 million) over four years to support Papua New Guinea’s police training, jails and judiciary.
The first Chinese warships have docked at a newly expanded Cambodian naval base.
Chinese warships have docked for the first time at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, which is undergoing a Chinese-funded upgrade that has drawn concerns from the United States over its potential role in expanding China’s overseas military footprint.
Cambodia’s Defense Minister Tea Seiha visited the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships docked at the Ream port on Sunday along with his father – and predecessor – Tea Banh.
The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni formally told China it would exit the Belt and Road Initiative, dealing a fresh blow to Beijing’s ambition to expand the massive investment program.
The pact “has not produced the desired effects” and is no longer “a priority,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said. Countries not part of the pact “have had better results,” he added.
Body representing most of world’s largest economies tells Beijing that playing by international rules ‘would be of global interest’
Amid increasing criticism of China’s conduct in South China Sea, G7 leaders say no legal basis for its maritime expansion there.
The policy has raised ‘activity and presence’ of military exercises from the US, India, Germany and even Russia, in the South and East China seas
This stirs up a ‘South China Sea conflict vortex’, in which China exhibits assertiveness, buoyed by the US viewing Beijing as its ‘strategic competitor.
A stretch of northern Pakistan's Karakoram Highway. A deadly attack has renewed security concerns along the road to China.
A militant attack in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, near the Chinese border, has rekindled concerns over security on a highway considered crucial for developing the two countries' economic relationship.
Over the weekend, a passenger bus traveling on the Karakoram Highway was hit by gunfire near the town of Chilas, less than 400 kilometers from the border. At least 10 people were killed, including two of them Pakistani Army soldiers, and more than 20 wounded.
Hong Kong journalists have expressed anxiety over recent news reports alleging that two reporters from the South China Morning Post (SCMP) had abruptly dropped out of contact while reporting in China, with many believing they had been detained by the authorities.
As U.S. Seeks Calmer China Ties, Europe Gets Tough,Tensions over Ukraine and trade have grown between the EU and China as leaders set to meet in Beijing
European Union leaders plan to warn Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the bloc is prepared to impose new sanctions and trade penalties on his nation unless it acts to address economic frictions and rein in exports to Russia of goods used for its war in Ukraine, EU officials said before a summit in Beijing Thursday. European strains with Beijing have sharpened.
#Hamas Israel War #Lessons For India
Israeli Warning on Hamas Tunnels Means Months of Destruction. Gaza towns wrecked as Israel blows up tunnels, fights battles. Military says bombing measures ‘necessary’ if ‘not beautiful’
Israel’s military said its mission to destroy an estimated 500 kilometers (311 miles) of Hamas tunnels across the Gaza Strip will take months, causing a scale of urban destruction that may prove impossible to reverse.
The devastating outcome of a drawn-out campaign against the militant group — with air strikes and ground battles continuing alongside the tunnel attacks — is likely to leave many of about 2.2 million Palestinians homeless and a question mark over where they can be re-housed.
An Indian-origin Israeli soldier, Master Sgt. (res.) Gil Daniels, was killed during conflict in Gaza this week. His death was confirmed by the Israel Defence Forces along with two other soldiers. The Indian Jewish Heritage Centre mourned Gil's loss, highlighting his commitment to service during the ongoing conflict. He, was remembered fondly by friends and classmates for his intelligence and vibrant personality.
Israel said it has killed about half of Hamas’s midlevel commanders in Gaza and is pressing on the suspected hiding place of the group’s leader, deploying a deliberate strategy to disrupt the militants’ ability to fight in the enclave.
Israel has so far failed to assassinate the U.S.-designated terrorist group’s senior leadership, which includes Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas in Gaza, and Mohammed Deif, head of the group’s armed wing.
News In Brief
Brace yourself for a riskier world in 2024, From economics to geopolitics to AI and climate change, new risks are emerging.
Higher-for-longer interest rates, a global economic slowdown, widening geopolitical tensions, the possible return of a Trump administration in the United States, the abuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and more climate-related disasters.
That’s a partial list of the risks facing the world in 2024, according to economists and other experts who monitor these things.
The dangers of guerrilla triumphalism in Myanmar
Recent insurgent gains have sparked breathless and deluded predictions about the impending fall of Myanmar’s military regime.
Apple moves towards India-made iPhone batteries in push away from China
Tech giant wants suppliers to build key component in India as part of broader effort to diversify supply chain.
403 Indian students lost abroad, Canada tops the list
Canada has reported the highest number of deaths among Indian students abroad since 2018, with 91 fatalities. In a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan shared that a total of 403 Indian students have lost their lives overseas due to various reasons, including natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions.
In the salt deserts bordering Pakistan, India builds its largest renewable energy project
Once completed, the project that is the size of Singapore will supply 30 gigawatts of renewable energy annually, enough to power nearly 18 million Indian homes
While the project could inspire other developing countries.
Make in India
Defence Ministry clears Rs 2.23 lakh-cr acquisitions
The green light for an additional 97 light combat aircraft MK1A is a substantial vote of confidence for the indigenous aircraft, recently flown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This procurement will bring the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fighter jet count to 220 in the coming years. HAL is actively increasing its production capacity, aiming to reach 24 jets annually.
Securing Indian Internal and External Security
All gaps along Pakistan, Bangladesh border to be plugged over next 2 years: Amit Shah
Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi government has fenced and plugged gaps in about 560 km of the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders in the last nine years since it came to power at the Centre.
More than 1,000 women Agniveers incorporated into Indian Navy:
Admiral R. Hari Kumar announced the induction of over 1,000 women Agniveers into the Indian Navy, praising the transformative Agnipath scheme. Highlighting milestones, including female commanding officers and operational achievements, he emphasized the Navy's commitment to deploying women in various roles. The speech underscored the Navy's missions, exercises across the Indo-Pacific, operational readiness, technological advancements, and budget allocation. The forthcoming Navy Day on December 4 in Maharashtra was also mentioned in Admiral Kumar's comprehensive address.
Nexus Between Narcotic Smugglers And Gangsters
Punjab has a 553 km border with Pakistan and smuggling of narcotics through the land border from Pakistan has been a cause of major concern. The National Investigation Agency is probing the nexus between narcotic smugglers and gangsters. The number of drone sightings on the India-Pakistan border has increased to 300, compared to 268 in 2022, 109 in 2021, 49 in 2020 and 35 in 2019, all within a range of 2-10 km on the border.
Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode dies of heart attack in Pakistan
Khalistani separatist Lakhbir Singh alias 'Rode', a designated terrorist in India, died in Pakistan, where he sought refuge after his uncle's death in 1984. Involved in various terror acts, Singh led the banned Khalistan Liberation Front, orchestrating weapon smuggling and violent activities against political figures. His tenure spanned international operations, establishing terror bases abroad. He fled Punjab after the Golden Temple incident, residing in Nepal, Dubai, and Canada before settling in Lahore.
Defence forces of India, Kenya to work together" says Kenyan President William Ruto
Kenya's President William Ruto emphasized the mutual concern of terrorism for both India and Kenya, announcing a collaborative effort between their defense forces. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ruto expressed gratitude for India's support in marine research related to Kenya's blue economy. He also acknowledged India's proposed $250 million aid for Kenya's agricultural mechanization.
13 killed in gunfight between two groups of militants in Manipur
Unprecedented ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, following a tribal solidarity rally that turned violent in Churachandpur district, leading to retaliatory violence between Chin-Kuki-Zo and the Meitei communities across the state. Manipur police has stated that as many as 175 people were killed, 1,108 others injured while 32 are missing in the ethnic strife since May 3.
"PoK is ours," says Amit Shah; says 2 J-K bills to give justice to people
The Lok Sabha discussed two bills related to Jammu and Kashmir, with Union Minister of Home Affairs stating that Pakistan occupied Kashmir belongs to India. The bills aim to give justice to those deprived of their rights for the last 70 years and give them a voice in the legislature. The BJP leader debated that tackling terrorism without considering vote-bank politics would have prevented Kashmiri Pandits from leaving the Valley.
Centre sets up three counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist schools in Odisha for training police personnel:
The Indian government has established three Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist Schools in Odisha to train police personnel, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The move comes in response to concerns about the high incidence of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) insurgency in the state.
Highest number of BSF personnel followed by CRPF opting for voluntary retirement:
Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Rajya Sabha that the number of voluntary retirement cases in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifle (AR) varies from year to year and no trend in this regard has been observed.
China to hold 2nd Indian Ocean Region Forum to firm up influence in India's backyard
Last year the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), an organisation part of the ruling Communist Party of China's Leadership Group, held a meeting of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation (CIORFDC) in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in southwest China.
Indian Army and MeitY unite forces for technological defence overhaul
The Indian Army and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) have joined hands to revolutionize defense through cutting-edge technology. This alliance pioneers advancements like indigenous 5G solutions, AI-driven tools, and cybersecurity measures. With transformative projects, training programs, and digital innovations, the collaboration aims to fortify defense capabilities, ensuring a technologically advanced and strategically robust Indian Army on the global front.
Airdropping An Indigenously Developed Heavy Platform From A C-17 Transport Aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) accomplished a significant milestone by airdropping an indigenously developed heavy platform from a C-17 transport aircraft in Agra. This marks the first successful airdrop of a platform measuring 24 feet by eight feet, capable of carrying a load of up to 16 tonnes. Conducted in collaboration with the Indian Army and Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the trials were executed in three stages, ensuring inspection, loading checks, and successful airdrop over a designated zone.
Rajnath Singh appeals people to contribute to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged wholehearted donations to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund, emphasizing citizens' role in supporting veterans and their families. He highlighted soldiers' dedication, contributions during crises, and sacrifices for the nation's unity. Minister of State Ajay Bhatt encouraged gratitude towards soldiers and support for the AFFD, while officials highlighted the fund's aid to ex-servicemen. The AFFD commemorates fallen heroes and supports veterans, offering financial assistance, medical grants, and educational aid. Contributions to the fund, vital for welfare programs, are tax-exempt.
FBI director Christopher Wray to visit India next week
FBI Director Christopher Wray's upcoming visit to India occurs amid US allegations of an Indian connection to a thwarted plot against a Sikh separatist in the US. Concerned, the Biden administration sent high-level officials earlier to demand an investigation. The recent visit by US Principal Deputy NSA Jonathan Finer stressed the importance of holding accountable anyone involved. India termed the linkage as worrisome and initiated an inquiry. The charged individual, Nikhil Gupta, allegedly collaborated with an Indian government employee in the conspiracy against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka participates in 6th NSA-level meeting of Colombo Security Conclave
The 6th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) saw participation from India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Bangladesh. NSA Ajit Doval highlighted the CSC's role in regional security and outlined a Roadmap of Activities for 2024. Established initially as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, it expanded to include Mauritius, with Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers. The focus remains on countering terrorism, maritime safety, and cooperation among maritime neighbors, with a permanent secretariat in Colombo coordinating and implementing decisions.
#COUNTERING CHINESE MULTI DOMAIN , GREYZONE, HIGHBREED WARFARE
Taiwan probes free China trips used to ‘influence’ election
Taiwanese prosecutors said on Dec 6 they were investigating five people over accusations they had arranged free trips to China for dozens of voters in a bid to “influence” January’s elections.
Taiwan goes to the polls on Jan 13 to elect a new president and a new Parliament in a contest that has been dominated by relations with China.
Relations have plunged in recent years as China has stepped up pressure on self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as part of its territory to be seized one day, by force if necessary.
Chinese ships visit Cambodian naval base
Two Chinese warships visited Cambodia's Ream naval base, sparking concerns over Beijing's influence in the Gulf of Thailand, an area of interest for Washington. Chinese-funded expansion at the base near Sihanoukville is near completion. Cambodian officials confirmed the visit without divulging details. Despite strong China-Cambodia relations, the US worries this base will bolster China's strategic naval presence.
China military official warns of ‘erroneous ideological trends’ spreading in PLA
Head of air force political work unit says ‘hostile forces’ are exerting more influence in the country
He calls for a culture of loyalty to the ruling Communist Party and Xi Jinping and a ‘dare to fight’ spirit.
China-Russia trade tops $200bn a year ahead of schedule-Bilateral trade soars after Ukraine war draws Western sanctions
Trade between Russia and China has surpassed $200 billion this year, official data shows, hitting the countries' goal a year earlier than they had anticipated.
China's General Administration of Customs said Thursday that trade with Russia totaled $218.1 billion for the January-November period.
The two sides agreed in 2019 to lift bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2024. In 2018, total trade between Russia and China topped $100 billion for the first time.
Settlement with the yuan also has gained wider use in bilateral trade.
Australia inks security deal with Papua New Guinea amid concerns about China’s Pacific outreach
Australia signed a landmark security deal with Papua New Guinea on Dec 7 that is seen as a further step by Canberra to push back against China’s growing reach in the Pacific.
The deal sets out plans for wide-ranging security cooperation, including providing A$200 million (S$175.9 million) over four years to support Papua New Guinea’s police training, jails and judiciary.
The first Chinese warships have docked at a newly expanded Cambodian naval base.
Chinese warships have docked for the first time at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, which is undergoing a Chinese-funded upgrade that has drawn concerns from the United States over its potential role in expanding China’s overseas military footprint.
Cambodia’s Defense Minister Tea Seiha visited the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships docked at the Ream port on Sunday along with his father – and predecessor – Tea Banh.
Italy Tells China It Will Exit Belt and Road Investment Pact, Minister says joining pact hasn’t produced ‘desired effects’,Italy’s participation in program was due to expire in March
The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni formally told China it would exit the Belt and Road Initiative, dealing a fresh blow to Beijing’s ambition to expand the massive investment program.
The pact “has not produced the desired effects” and is no longer “a priority,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said. Countries not part of the pact “have had better results,” he added.
G7 warns China on military activities in South China Sea, urges it to press Russia to exit Ukraine
Body representing most of world’s largest economies tells Beijing that playing by international rules ‘would be of global interest’
Amid increasing criticism of China’s conduct in South China Sea, G7 leaders say no legal basis for its maritime expansion there.
In Asean, only Philippines embraces US’ Indo-Pacific strategy that is ‘trigger’ for South China Sea tensions
The policy has raised ‘activity and presence’ of military exercises from the US, India, Germany and even Russia, in the South and East China seas
This stirs up a ‘South China Sea conflict vortex’, in which China exhibits assertiveness, buoyed by the US viewing Beijing as its ‘strategic competitor.
Attack on Pakistan highway to China shakes key Belt and Road link,Bus shooting raises concerns over outlook for all-weather upgrade,
A stretch of northern Pakistan's Karakoram Highway. A deadly attack has renewed security concerns along the road to China.
A militant attack in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, near the Chinese border, has rekindled concerns over security on a highway considered crucial for developing the two countries' economic relationship.
Over the weekend, a passenger bus traveling on the Karakoram Highway was hit by gunfire near the town of Chilas, less than 400 kilometers from the border. At least 10 people were killed, including two of them Pakistani Army soldiers, and more than 20 wounded.
China's hidden debt spurs warnings of more Moody's downgrades Governing financing vehicles, banks and Hong Kong face outlook cuts
Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday signaled potential downgrades in credit ratings for dozens of Chinese government-backed entities funding infrastructure development, as well as for state-owned banks and the regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
The development, which comes a day after the agency cut its outlook for China's sovereign credit rating, reflects growing concern over local governments' ability to deal with mounting hidden debt amid a protracted property slump.
In Hong Kong, journalists face new anxieties amid reports of ‘missing’ reporter in China
As U.S. Seeks Calmer China Ties, Europe Gets Tough,Tensions over Ukraine and trade have grown between the EU and China as leaders set to meet in Beijing
European Union leaders plan to warn Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the bloc is prepared to impose new sanctions and trade penalties on his nation unless it acts to address economic frictions and rein in exports to Russia of goods used for its war in Ukraine, EU officials said before a summit in Beijing Thursday. European strains with Beijing have sharpened.
#Hamas Israel War #Lessons For India
Israeli Warning on Hamas Tunnels Means Months of Destruction. Gaza towns wrecked as Israel blows up tunnels, fights battles. Military says bombing measures ‘necessary’ if ‘not beautiful’Israel’s military said its mission to destroy an estimated 500 kilometers (311 miles) of Hamas tunnels across the Gaza Strip will take months, causing a scale of urban destruction that may prove impossible to reverse.
The devastating outcome of a drawn-out campaign against the militant group — with air strikes and ground battles continuing alongside the tunnel attacks — is likely to leave many of about 2.2 million Palestinians homeless and a question mark over where they can be re-housed.
Indian-origin soldier among Israelis killed in Gaza
An Indian-origin Israeli soldier, Master Sgt. (res.) Gil Daniels, was killed during conflict in Gaza this week. His death was confirmed by the Israel Defence Forces along with two other soldiers. The Indian Jewish Heritage Centre mourned Gil's loss, highlighting his commitment to service during the ongoing conflict. He, was remembered fondly by friends and classmates for his intelligence and vibrant personality.
Israel Says It Has Killed Half of Hamas’s Battalion Commanders,Attacks in southern Gaza threaten to push thousands toward Egyptian border
Israel said it has killed about half of Hamas’s midlevel commanders in Gaza and is pressing on the suspected hiding place of the group’s leader, deploying a deliberate strategy to disrupt the militants’ ability to fight in the enclave.
Israel has so far failed to assassinate the U.S.-designated terrorist group’s senior leadership, which includes Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas in Gaza, and Mohammed Deif, head of the group’s armed wing.